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Big Cat Rescue

Located on 67 acres in the Citrus Park area, Big Cat Rescue is one of the world’s largest accredited sanctuaries for exotic cats. Our mission is to provide the best home we can for the cats in our care, end abuse of big cats in captivity, and prevent the extinction of big cats in the wild. We are home to lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, servals, caracals, jaguar and other species most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts.

Bits N Pieces Puppet Theatre

Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre features unique giant puppets and traditional small forms presented in a variety of school settings and venues. The Nine-Foot-Tall puppets are unforgettable. The traditional figures bring joy to your heart. They are excellent for in-school performances or a great school field trip at PuppetWorld Playhouse. Programs available for the 2019-20 include “Jack and the Beanstalk”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Princess Thimbelina”, “The Selfish Giant’s Garden” and “Hansel and Gretel”. All these promise the excitement on stage we deliver at every performance. Bits N Pieces Puppet Theatre celebrates childhood adventure, encourages reading, and supports state teaching objectives. Arts in Education! We provide a multipage Classroom Guide helping students focus on the objectives that meet education standards. Prepare, watch the show, and discuss. Compare different versions of a story. See characters’ development through action on stage. Challenge the students to create their own stories with follow-up activities. Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre is Tampa Bay’s Longest Running Children’s Theatre. Founded in 1972 the company has received the Arts Council of Hillsborough County’s Arts In Education Award, Florida Theatre Conference Distinguished Career Award, Atlanta Regional Cultural Olympiad Award and toured to ten countries. Bits N Pieces Puppet Theatre receives the support of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, State of Florida/Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Together we enrich the lives of children today and brighten the world of tomorrow.

Carrollwood Cultural Center

In addition to offering arts-based enrichment classes, the Carrollwood Cultural Center strives to make a positive impact on local youth by featuring a series of fun, educational shows and field trip opportunities throughout the year. Visit us at CarrollwoodCenter.org for info about our upcoming season.

Chris Kahl

Chris Kahl is a musician and teaching artist that presents folk music performances featuring Florida history, and an extended residency that explores the Science of Sound. His music and storytelling program titled “A Musical Journey Through Florida” consists of original songs and stories highlighting the state’s history. He performs statewide, and his programs have been sponsored by the Florida State Touring Roster, Florida Humanities Council Road Scholar program, Arts Council of Hillsborough County, Florida Historical Society and Stetson University’s Continuing Education Program. He also works in schools presenting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs to teach students scientific and mathematical concepts through music. These programs consist of activities that demonstrate scientific concepts relating to music by constructing and playing different instruments. The hands-on arts integrated lessons are designed to motivate students to learn while developing critical thinking and problem solving skills. His school residency programs have been sponsored by the Brevard Cultural Alliance, United Arts of Central Florida, and Arts 4 All Florida.

Cracker Country

Cracker Country is Tampa’s only living history museum and is located on the Florida State Fairgrounds. The museum holds a collection of 13 original buildings dating from 1870-1912 which were relocated from across the state of Florida. Our buildings range from public buildings like our Terry Store and Okahumpka Train Depot, to private buildings like our Carlton and Smith homes. Today, the historically furnished buildings recreate the lifestyles of the past, and costumed interpreters portray daily living as Florida pioneers. Cracker Country focuses on providing educational opportunities for the public to learn about old Florida.

Donna Wissinger

Flutist Donna Wissinger has been called a ‘flutist of rare gifts’ by the New York Times. Her concerts include acclaimed solo recitals on the mainstages of Carnegie Hall and on the equally renowned Glinka Capella in St. Petersburg, Russia. Featured tours have included Europe, Asia, The Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. Donna’s great passion is combining fun and real learning for unforgettable educational programs. Her programs, including The Pied Piper and Other Fantastic Tales, Myths, Legends and Fables, Peter and the Wolf, The World Turned Upside Down: Music of the American Revolution, Tales of Legendary Florida and Preserving Our Coral Reef: Teams of Success and the accompanying programs with orchestra receive rave reviews. Donna is the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Doris Leeper Award for Excellence in Arts Education and is a premier artist with Creative Leaps International; the Florida Touring Program; and The New York-based Learning Arts. To learn more visit www.donnawissinger.com. Donna provides both arts-integrated performance workshops in which students participate as well as arts-integrated workshops in which students demonstrate their learning through the arts. Donna enjoys being fit. She is a USPTA tennis professional, a long-distance runner, and an internationally ranked USTA long-distance triathlete. Her bicycle/flute performance tour of cycling 2000 miles and playing 82 concerts from NYC to Miami was featured on the National Geographic Channel.

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is a museum dedicated to exhibiting important photographic art as central to contemporary life and culture. FMoPA collects, preserves, and exhibits historic and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known photographic artists. FMoPA also enriches the community by operating outreach programs to educate children and adults. In the fall of 2001, Cynthia L. Flowers began the museum’s first children’s outreach program. It involved under-served children at the USF/Patel Partnership Elementary School located at the University of South Florida in Tampa. From this first program, the museum developed many ongoing community programs such as the free Children’s Literacy Through Photography Program for at-risk children, and fee based adult photography classes, workshops, and children’s summer camps. In the Children’s Literacy Through Photography Program, children are inspired through hands-on workshops and field trips where photographs are taken, printed and written about by the participants. An annual reception for the children was also held at the museum. FMoPA also offers a variety of classes taught by highly validated professionals, exploring the technical aspects of photography, the creative potential residing in everyone, and the applications towards creative practice. All the workshops can be taken as single units of particular interest, or as a full concentration resulting in certificates of completion. We look forward to a most productive and fruitful year with over 30 workshops that cover most aspects of photography and promote photography education. FMoPA also provides guided docent tours for groups and field trips! FMoPA additionally has a program called Prodigy, which will effectively make a difference with children that would not otherwise have access to art programs, or museums. It is increasingly clear that changing lives is at the root of any art’s social responsibilities. Through this partnership and the medium of photography, we will provide children who are socioeconomically challenged, culturally displaced or recovering from the trauma of a refugee situation with an artistic outlet. Prodigy program will provide children with a solid foundation of photographic education, providing guidance and knowledge of the technical aspects of photography, as well as the artistic applications. The program benefits more than just photographic skills; teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking will be applicable in all of the activities that children will participate in. Students attending the program are given the opportunity to be innovative by allowing them to create a narrative using photographs on many varied topics from current global environmental issues to local socio-economic challenges. These skills and applications will ultimately be applied to a brighter future. FMoPA has a wide variety of tours, classes, and programs for children and is constantly looking to reach as many children as possible. So please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional information or educational opportunities!

Florida Studio Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre offers a variety of programs both during and after school. All programming is founded in FST’s proven theatre education methodology and integrates Florida Standards into innovative arts education. This season’s programs include the 3 show season of WRITE A PLAY, In-Class and After School Workshops, and ongoing classes at our downtown campus, individual schools, and community organizations.

Glazer Children’s Museum

Watch your students work as a team, problem solve, and learn during a Glazer Children’s Museum Field Trip! Enhance math, science, and literacy concepts through interactive play and exploration as a group. Students Pre K- Grade 8 can play with purpose in over 170 exhibits within 19 themed areas. Upgrade your day of play by booking a Premium or Ultimate Field Trip that includes our new cutting-edge, design-oriented Think Studios and/or a session in our innovative, motion-capture laboratory, SMALLab! Download our comprehensive Playbook for pricing, content, educator trainings, and more at GlazerMuseum.org/fieldtrips

Heard Em Say Youth Arts Collective

Heard Em Say Youth Arts Collective is a regional 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to identify, cultivate, and empower young people in activism and advocacy through artistic education and performance. Our core programs are a monthly open mic for young people 19 and under, seasonal workshops on a variety of creative arts and career paths, and a competitive poetry slam team that travels regionally and competes each July at Brave New Voices (an international youth poetry festival and slam competition).

Henry B. Plant Museum

Surround yourself with the lifestyle of the Gilded Age. Experience the development of Tampa in the late 19th century, the Cuban Campaign of the Spanish-American War, and the vision of steamship and railroad magnate Henry Plant. Whether you are an educator; program coordinator for a camp, club organization or after school program; researcher; adult or youth, the Henry Plant Museum offers a variety of resources to enhance your experience year-round. Since 1933, the Tampa Bay Hotel has been home to the Henry B. Plant Museum and The University of Tampa. The building, renamed Plant Hall, is a National Historic Landmark. The Henry B. Plant Museum holds the distinction of accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. Its mission is to interpret the history and lifestyle of America’s Gilded Age and the life and significant contributions of Henry Bradley Plant to the development of Florida and Tampa Bay. Original furnishings and artifacts and a dynamic self-guided audio tour immerse visitors in the opulence of the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel and its rich history.

Jobsite Theater Education

Jobsite has worked with middle school, high school, and college-level student groups since our 2001 production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Since then, we’ve grown from simply offering student groups of 10 or more substantially reduced rates and a post-show talk with the actors to a full program that has over 35 educational outreach events in the 2018-19 season that will reach over 2,500 middle and high schoolers with both Othello and a return run of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]. In 2012, we began offering daytime matinees to school groups (Fahrenheit 451, Much Ado About Nothing). In 2016, we had a one-year partnership with both the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and the Saunders Foundation that allowed us to double the number of those performances, reaching thousands, while getting over 500 of them into the theater at absolutely no cost. In 2017 we entered an arrangement with Hillsborough County Public Schools, the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, and the Straz Center/Patel Conservatory to become part of their Field Trips program. Most recently we offered Othello, The Tempest and 1984 to schools for weekday matinees in addition to our standard mainstage performance times. In 2020 we offer A Midsummer Night’s Dream to middle and high schools.

Leland Faulkner

Growing up with an international background inspired Leland to create programs that have been hailed by presenters around the country as one of the best family programs available. His performances have taken him all over the U.S. and to Russia, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Spain, and Turkey. Leland presently tours, teaches, devises and directs for a living, creating original productions like Shadowplay at Virginia Commonwealth University, teaching working professionals at The Very Physical Comedy Institute, inspiring other teachers at the Tennessee Arts Academy, and teaching movement for opera singers at The Castleton Artists Training Seminar. He was recently the physical comedy director for The St. Louis Repertory Theatre’s hit production of One Man Two Guvnors.

Lisa J. Michaels

A member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators for the past sixteen years, I have professionally illustrated, edited, produced and published over a dozen children’s books which are currently available for purchasing on Amazon.com and in book stores across America. My work experience and education in art, illustration, writing and publishing has allowed me the ability and honor of teaching others what I have learned and worked hard to develop. I have conducted various arts programs for all ages, from elementary school drawing workshops, to sketching & painting classes for senior citizens. My expertise in cover design and book illustration has resulted in numerous awards, including the 2017 Gold Medal Florida Authors & Publishers Association Award, the Mom’s Choice Award, the 2014 Living Now Book Award, First Place in the Dragonfly Publishing, Inc. Contest, First Place in the ABC Children’s Picture Book Awards, etc. In 2017 I received grant funding to be a guest teacher for a computer/visual art class at Clearwater High School, and in 2014 I was invited as a guest teacher for a creative writing class at Tampa University. Both experiences were extremely rewarding, as I they presented unique opportunities to connect with seriously talented young artists and authors! Most recently, I have developed, produced and published three on-line, ongoing classes for children’s book writers through www.skillshare.com, entitled; “Writing a Picture Book”. Enrollment has exceeded 400 students and continues to grow daily. I created and sold works of art for the 2018 Gasparilla Poster Art Contest, and the 2018 Southeastern Guide Dog Competition of Tampa Bay. I am currently under contract to produce a ten book series of children’s picture books for “Little Mouse Press”, an imprint of Tolman Main Press, and I am in negotiations for the sale of my own book, “The Noisy Elevator”. As an author, I have appeared in several publications, including Atlantic Publishings, “How to Write and Publish a Successful Children’s Book” and “Write a Children’s Book – A Step by Step Guide…”. My participation and growth in publishing, critiquing, writers conferences and workshops, group leadership and mentoring have given me the education and experience to provide content editing and publishing services to other aspiring children’s book writers. My writing blog, “The Art of Picture Books” at www.theartofpicturebooks.com, lists the services I provide, as well as helpful information for anyone who dreams of writing for children.

Mary Kelly

Mary J. Kelly, MFA is an energetic, passionate Professional Storyteller, Drama Specialist, and Teaching Artist with 30 years’ experience. Mary employs an arts-based process utilizing drama, storytelling, reading, and writing for classroom residencies. Her program curriculum adheres to Florida State Standards and enhances student engagement and learning. Mary received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Education/Child Drama and a Master of Fine Arts Theatre/Production/Performance diplomas from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. Mary is co-founder/Chair/Executive Director of the Association of Florida Teaching Artists, Inc. Mary J. Kelly wrote Midnight Train: Harriet Tubman Conductor on the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman was known for her 19 trips down South along the secret route known as the Underground Railroad. She saves over 300 other Africans from the brutality of slavery. The struggle for Africans from slavery to freedom was long and costly in terms of human suffering. Still today, this struggle stirs up harsh memories of racial injustice. Mary states, “I felt called to put my energy into writing a script to inspire audiences to learn about and rethink the issue of slavery. Mary’s portrayal of Harriet incorporates a storytelling style utilizing characterizations, song, movement, and audience participation that create a realistic view of being enslaved. Furthermore, social injustice still exists–worldwide, in fact–but we now call it human trafficking “different name, same abominable activity.”

Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg

From a legendary permanent collection, to compelling traveling exhibitions, the MFA is ready to inspire with diverse and ever-changing opportunities to experience art. Discover over 4,500 years of civilization in thousands of objects ranging from antiquity to the present- the only comprehensive art collection of its kind on Florida’s west coast.

Play'N Around Theatre Company

Play’N Around Theatre Company is a professional theater company that tours live educational musical productions to theatres, schools, libraries, and special events. Operating year round PATC offers main-stage productions, classes and workshops, summer programs, community special events, school collaborative projects and much more! PATC introduces young audiences to the performing arts through professional, fully-staged productions that appeal to children, parents, and educators while teaching morals and values. Founded In 1999, Play’N Around Theatre has produced many original educational, as well as entertaining, adaptations to classic fairy tales. PATC presents productions to thousands of children yearly through classes, workshops, summer programs, and live performances. PATC has been dedicated to truly challenging and enlightening students in expanding their skills and knowledge of the theatre arts. Our goal is to entertain and delight local audiences through quality, family-friendly arts entertainment at an affordable price while helping our audience grow through exposure to theatre and the arts. PATC works in connection with educators to support and complement their existing curricula, both through the shows we develop and the study guides we create. These study guides are provided to educators and parents as a tool to assist learning before and after their visit, maximizing the theatre experience.

Rod Martinez

I give book talks at schools but also like to fire up the kids about literacy, books and writing in general. In an audience of a normal classroom one never knows if the next Stephen King is sitting there. I like to get the kids thinking and active on the thought of getting serious about the world of literary arts. BIO: Rod Martinez writes middle grade & young adult. Growing up on Marvel Comics and Twilight Zone, the inspiration was inevitable. After a challenge by his son to write a story about him and his friends “like the Goonies’ but based in Tampa”, his first novel “The Juniors” was picked up by a publisher – and the rest as they say – is history.

Spanish Lyric Theatre

Spanish Lyric Theatre is the premiere presenter of bilingual (Spanish and English) theatre throughout the Tampa Bay area. As the oldest community theatre and the only bilingual theatre in Tampa, Spanish Lyric Theatre is committed to excellence in all of its programs, bringing together theatre professionals and local volunteers to create and preserve Hispanic/Latino culture, deepening Latino heritage by way of the performing arts as a means to transcend language and cultural barriers and to provide professional, quality experiences in Hispanic and American musical theatre. Spanish Lyric Theatre is Tampa’s oldest non-profit 501(c)(3) theatre company celebrating its 60th season in 2019.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Built on an abandoned gravel lot in a city that was lacking cultural offerings, the Straz Center began as the dream of a community. Today the Straz Center is the largest performing arts center in the Southeast and the only one with an on-site performing arts conservatory. The Straz Center was incorporated in 1980 and opened in 1987. In the early 1990s, the Straz Center (then known as Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center) established arts education as a community priority, working closely with area public, private and home school programs to enhance arts education for children throughout the seven-county Tampa Bay area. Outreach programs included curriculum connectors to Florida education standards and teacher study guides in print and online. The Straz Center’s extended in-school artistic residencies, summer programs and after school offerings helped to fill the increasing gaps in arts education left by budget cuts. Since 1991 the Straz Center’s Education department housed programs such as Tampa Bay Youth Orchestra and Community Arts Ensemble, a free summer theater day camp that served urban children in need by connecting them with nationally known artists in a rehearsal-based process. Each summer, an original musical play was written and produced especially for that year’s group of up to 100 children to perform in a fully-staged production for friends and family in one of the Straz Center’s main halls.

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